Is it mostly for economic reasons why socials start late 10PM? Non HCOL cities can have a day time social starting 6PM, must be crazy expensive to find a venue that can break even.

For most congresses, performances can last up to 11PM. Insanity if you step back just a little, sure having little to no sleep is cool once in awhile and even if you catch up on it, most people will find it difficult to readjust.

I don't have that gene where I can sleep anywhere or make it 4 hours and be all good the next day and for the festivals, most I experienced have that sort of spring break vibe to it, some people like it some don't, I thought I already graduated from no sleep, college late night frat parties 🤷 and I guess a question to the life long social dancers here, has there ever been a moments where, at a hotel congress or room etc, or on a dance floor, there were people, everyone present who had all previously slept with one another? Just cautiously wondering what would become to all this, we all spend lots of time even intimately and physically close with "dance friends" my non dance friends call it weird lol. But I guess that's just us?? I don't think my grandma ever had this opportunity or experience, so I guess this is sort of new. I think maybe if social dancing is as popular as owning a car, I wouldn't be wondering about these.

Just after party congress thoughts 😊😊😊😊 sfbk was great but surely I'm not the only one wondering, what's to all of this? Besides having the absolute blast.

No, I think losing a lot of sleep is unhealthy, even if we're doing cardio every night.

Hey everyone, I've been a lurker in this community for a while now, but I'm finally ready to take the plunge and learn how to salsa! Total beginner male living in London, UK, and I'd love to hear any tips, suggestions, or advice you may have for me as I start this exciting journey. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi! I’m a beginner follow. I went to my first social recently. Had great fun. Didn’t get many dances at the start, but by the end, I was dancing continually (except for self imposed breaks).

TL;dr (don’t feel required to read the post at all, I just explain some experience regarding these questions):

1. what is the normal number of dances in row with same person in UK vs Latin America?
2. how to politely get away after dancing 3 songs with same person, without missing the next song (using the excuse of needing a break)?
3. how to swap partners after only one dance when it’s very busy there, while showing you really enjoyed it and would love to dance again later?
4. how to avoid dancing with someone who is very rude and you physically can’t seem to dance with at all?
5. how to avoid lots of super close holds on a particular day (even if you’re okay with it other times), without offending the lead or ruining the flow of the dance?
6. When is it okay to start dancing in proper salsa dance shoes?

Firstly, In the UK, what is the normal number of dances in a row? I’ve heard 1 is average, 2 if you really enjoyed it, and max 3, do you think that’s accurate? I wonder about different counties too (specially Latin American counties) as there were lots of people who haven’t been in the UK long at the social.

Secondly, I had someone dance 5 in a row with me and try to get me to do 6, I was able to leave at that point, but I kinda tried to leave before, but it didn’t really seem like an invitation to keep dancing and more like an expectation. (He wasn’t from UK also.) But I didn’t want to stop dancing altogether yet, so I didn’t want to stop dancing to go have a drink / break (although when he asked for the 6 one, by then I definitely needed to have a break). How would I leave politely, without missing the next dance to drink water / use restroom? I’m not sure why he wanted to dance so many in a row, I’m a complete beginner and there was an even mix of leads / follows, maybe more follows, I’m young but married and wear my wedding ring so its not something romantic. But it seemed strange after so many in a row, why would he want to dance with a beginner. It’s not my preference to do more than 3 with someone even if they’re amazing (and only 3 if it’s different styles), and if I was a lead, I would only ask people to one dance at a time.

Thirdly, what if I really enjoyed dancing with someone, but it’s very packed with people and / or there aren’t many follows, so after only one dance (or maybe two), I want to change partner because I think it’s good to dance with many different people. But I want to be polite and show I enjoyed it, and would like to dance again together later. I don’t want it to come across like I didn’t enjoy it. Or if there are many more followers than leads, I don’t want to hog the lead, it would be better for other followers to be able to dance too.

Sorry fourth question! Had a situation where at the start it was quieter, I’d only done one social dance so far, and I saw a guy standing by himself on the dance floor really looking like he wanted to dance, and I noticed he was dancing very few number of times (although there were more follows at that moment). I asked him to dance, and he had a rude tone of voice, saying “well, I’m very tired… but I guess I can dance with you…” It was my second ever social dance and it didn’t help him seeming so upset to dance with me. I’d rather just not dance than someone be disinterested. When we danced I just couldn’t get it at all. I had no idea at all what he was doing, what style it was, if he was even stepping on the beats. (Later I danced with people doing styles I’ve never done, but they made it obvious what I should do with their movements.) We just couldn’t even dance together at all, not even do the basic step (or I’d try, because I thought he was doing that, but the feet wouldn’t move, or move randomly). And he got annoyed at me for all of this. I’m sure if I was a better follow I would be able to do it, but even my friends who are much better than me, weren’t sure either. It wasn’t the best start to the night when I was already unsure of myself. That’s all okay,but then later on after I was dancing with lots of people, he asked me to dance with him. Of course I said yes to be polite. Exact same thing happened. It’s more the angry face / voice that makes it not fun. Or even if he explained what he was doing or tried a different method (maybe there was sense to his movements, but just something none of us have heard about), I could have learned. I learned the other very random styles people were doing and even different dances altogether just by them leading me naturally. (One guy I danced with did that when I’d never done that style before, he is coincidentally a teacher, he made me close my eyes and lead me with simple things! It actually worked and was really fun too. And he was nice about it although I was bad.)

I don’t know what to do there, how I could have made the dance better. I can’t even just groove with him or whatever having fun doing random stuff together (like one guy who decided to dance with me and my friend at once), because he is too angry / annoyed. I think I just have to conclude that our dancing isn’t compatible at the moment. What do I do if he asks me to dance next time? It’s literally going through a song doing nothing or trying to do his steps which seem erratic and random to me, and I don’t feel any leads from him, while he scowls at me. I don’t want to be rude. I thought of saying ‘I’m sorry, I think your dance style is too unusual and difficult for me, I’m not sure how to do it.’ I’m not sure if that will be clear enough though, when I’ve said to people asking me to dance Kizomba or Merengue that I’ve never done in my life or even know what the steps / counts are, it hasn’t hindered them and they seem to want to teach me or maybe try their leading out with me (because if they can lead me on that, they must be good). I’ve also only seem him dancing with one person who is really good and just kinda does her own thing (and another new person, only one time), I wonder if he has a reputation and all the ladies avoided him.

Fifth question, what if one day, I don’t want to dance super close with people? I’m not someone who’s bothered about that and just copy what the lead does. But if you’re someone who is more shy about body contact and doesn’t want to do loads of super close hold, or you just don’t feel like doing any of that on that particular day, how do you avoid it without putting the lead off, offending him, or making it awkward?

Sixthly, when is it okay to start dancing in real salsa dance shoes? As a beginner, what skill level or time experience would be advisable to start wearing dance shoes? At what point would it be considered pretentious (if someone who’s never danced before, or danced just a few times, shows up in special dance shoes, is that seen as okay, or getting ahead of themselves?)? I want to start dancing heels to practise and get used to it. I also don’t want people to overestimate my ability and think I must be somewhat experienced when asking me, only to be disappointed when they see I’m bad. I would practise with heels in the house first, but when could I wear it to class or a social so I can try with a partner?

Even when warning people I’m beginner and bad at dancing, many still tried to do pretty complicated moves, which I found ok, but I know it must have been hard for them to lead me, if they did simpler things I might have been better at following them. Someone dipped me down to the floor in middle of dance multiple times, even did one where they dipped and sweeped around, and I have no idea what I should be doing for that, it probably was difficult for them to control me! And other people did things much more complicated than a dip, at least that is guided and I can guess a bit. Why do leads do that when it makes it harder for themselves? I get doing stuff a bit above my level, it’s fun and if they’re good lead then even I can follow easily, but some of the random moves were a bit much. I don’t mind from my side (although it is a bit panicky and it disrupts things when I mess up), but I feel bad for them because I must be doing it all wrong!

Sorry that this is long! I was a little put off by that experience at the start, mainly the rudeness than the actual dancing, I would love to dance with people who can’t dance at all if they’re having fun and we can have a laugh together. And I wanted to get opinions on it. Anyhow I soon met dancers who were really cool. Some people I would happily dance more than 6 in a row with (although I wouldn’t of course actually dance that many because I want to be polite).

Thanks very much!

I have been attending a few festivals lately. One thing I’ve noticed is how some dancers seem to have endless energy and can dance from evening until dawn. I’m in awe of their stamina!

For those seasoned congress-goers, how do you manage to dance all night? Do you have any tips on staying energized?

Would love to hear your experiences and advice! Thanks!

Is there a technical move to just ignore this, like it's nice to be watched but I also just want to dance. I can't move out of it when he's got both of my hands palms up and clinched I guess I'll just shimmy my shoulders? It's just kind of a dumb move that needs to die down a little.

Suddenly he gets both my hands out to the sides. Expects me to do the zig zag suzie q to him and squat down to slide a leg down in between his legs. I'm so sick of this and I'm tired of squatting lol. Such a dumb old school LA style trend that needs to die down a little.

Would love to know where in the world (anywhere— countries, towns, cities, areas, large or small) that have been your favourite places to dance and why! 💃🏽

Follower here. Other than some basic footwork (Suzy Q), a cheeky turn and the shoulder shimmy, I realise that I don’t have much in the way of play when dancing with a partner. I obviously don’t want to interfere with the lead too much, but what are some ways in which I can play with my partner/music?

Some of my salsa leads have full on characters when they dance. I find it highly amusing and it makes the dance more enjoyable.

Note: I currently attend classes which incorporate small elements of styling

If you go salsa it's a detriment, or even any social. A lot of people can't dance that well because they're in costume. A good number of them are only there to win the costume contest (it's a twerking contest really) it's absolutely fun but it can be a mess if you're a bit of a stuck up like me. Good luck standing around for 30 minutes for the costume contest. Some girls just go all out, we had one with just nipple cups... Dancing bachata too... Sweaty all over plus the make up and glitter. Glad it's over with, I'll spend my time with family and getting candy next time lol.

I dont think it's possible to do multichoice poll so select your favourite

View Poll

Looking for some ideas to vary my routine a bit for song finishes or pauses. I would consider myself an intermediate lead and I always finish with either turning her into a dip to my right or throwing her right hand over my left shoulder into a dip to my left.

What you guys got?

For those of you who attend socials, what are some types of dancer (lead or follow) you’ve encountered and had to learn to adapt to? I’d be curious to hear your stories.

I was speaking to a lady this evening about the types of leads she encountered in our country (we happen to be from the same place coincidentally and I haven’t gone dancing there yet). She mentioned that the leads there are rather loose with their connection meaning that it’s difficult to follow. I’ve also encountered leads that are loose with their hands/connection, meaning I have to try to keep a connection without being too forceful. If I’m too light against this type of lead, my hands/fingers will slip.

Hi!

Wondering if there are any good follow along videos to improve personal fitness and movement, and possibly learning / practising moves? That can be done without a partner.

When I do salsa or bachata with hip motions, I get a stitch, since I’ve never done those motions before. I could just stand there moving hips doing nothing else, or do upper body swivels, but that’s kinda boring. I’d also prefer to practise overall movements, and timing to music, and preferably some salsa or bachata moves.

I know there are dance workouts on YouTube, but I don’t know how to search effectively to get ones where you’re actually dancing salsa practising movement but solo, most I’ve found just seem like a workout to music.

Sometimes classes do a warmup to music and that actually feels like dancing, often incorporating some turns and specific salsa moves, which is great. Wish I could remember what they did, or I’d just do that to music!

Any suggestions would be great, thank you!

Hey guys,

(Posting in r/Bachata too.)

I've been taking classes for about a year, and for primarily financial reasons I may have to go on indefinite break from class, at least 6-7 months or more. I'm not the best lead (and I'm slowly realizing there's no point in trying to be), but I'm pretty happy with my current level and have fun, and I'd like to not get worse, and if I can continue to improve (especially musicality, which I know is hard and probably even harder without classes).

I can probably keep going to socials with better dancers once or twice a month, and to free club socials weekly (one of them has a few decent regulars, most club dancers are brand new here though). I can also practice my studio's footwork syllabus, ask friends to practice partnerwork, and maybe see if I can try to learn new moves from instagram/my friends' videos... (that last one seems the most likely to not go well, lol)

Any advice on how I can mantain my skills without class, and hopefully improve? Thanks.

Basically title. I’m about 1.5 years into my salsa journey (private lessons for 8-9 months and now I’m traveling through Latin America mostly doing socials and group classes). I feel like my salsa is sort of ‘plateauing’ and I’ve started to branch out into bachata which I still am quite rusty at.

Teachers in a lot of salsa schools tell me to learn other styles of Latin dance, and I do sometimes see great salseros that seem to incorporate some of the closeness/body movement of bachata into their salsa style. I didn’t want to lose focus on salsa and regress if I confuse myself with bachata moves/styling, and I was curious if anyone could share their personal experiences with this.

So, I hear back leading is very bad to do. However if you’re a beginner like I am, and I’m dancing with someone doing many moves I’ve never done or had explained to me ever, what would the difference be between backleading, and me missing cues or interpreting cues wrongly (because I’m not good)? Or is it the same thing?

I understand if I suddenly go off and do completely random stuff, or I start moving the lead’s arms, that would be backleading. I’m talking more about subtler situations in social dancing (rather than a classroom) where I’m not sure what to do exactly.

I mean in general, not just with turning.

A side question, what do I do when a beginner lead is signalling for me to turn when I’m in the completely wrong place / wrong foot? Do I continue to step into the next foot then turn with their lead, or can / should I do something else? What if it’s very forceful and they’re physically trying to spin me much before I’m ready?

Example, for a right turn, they bring the hand up on 3, then immediately cue, possibly even trying to physically turn me. Should I turn immediately and do a full spin instead? That’s the only think I can think of that would fit (but I imagine there are other things I should be doing instead, I don’t know much). Although since I’m not ready for it (as they bought their hand up and immediately start turning me, I might be off balance and off time. Or, should I just step forward into 5 and continue to right turn as normal? Or should I do something else? (That’s just an example, I also mean for other situations.’

I’ve taking classes for 2 years, I’ve been social dancing steadily for about a little over a year; I try every other weekend ( I have a kid so I’m not able to do every week).. I feel like I should be doing way better, the patterns that I have developed are the ones that I have least failure with so I pretty much stay basic beginner like : CBL, basic turns , and about 3 other moves remember over time.. but I’m still having trouble adding new moves to my routine; it’s like I don’t remember at the spot.

Other leads tell me they “go with the flow “ and that some handholds or gestures remind them of moves as they dance. But that happens to me very rarely and I usually forget by the next dance.

I also still make sloppy mistakes here and there like not reconnecting properly or messing up my patterns half way. Loosing the count occasionally or not catching the transition in the music on time ( I dance on 2)..

I don’t like to blame the follows at all even if they’re just starting beginners.. I was told that most mistakes if not all are because of a bad lead.. and I see that in my case ; I’ve had bad dances with beginners and advanced follows and when I see them dancing with other leads they both look very smooth.

How can i improve? I have social anxiety, so interact with strangers is kind of uncomfortable most times but I don’t think this is the reason for me not to improve .

Anyone else been through this?

I know this idea gets brought up a lot, but lots of recent interaction in my daily life have made me think about this more.

How do you determine your (or others') dance level?

I've found that in my own journey the "you don't know what you don't know" really comes into play. For example, at times I've over assessed my level based on what I didn't even know and I see newer dancers do it often.

So, for those who prefer more breakdown, what are markers of the following levels:

Beginner: For me, this is someone who is learning the basic steps, right turn, left turn, CBL....the people learning how to survive (in the most basic--ha!--sense in a social)

Advanced beginner/improver: For me, this person has a decent understanding of the beat, they're starting to understand body isolations, but still struggling with it, maybe still bounces in their steps instead of pushing into the floor (or focuses on moving hips instead of steps). They might know a lot of moves, but don't lead or follow them well (consistently).

Intermediate: For me, this is someone who can generally dance with most people in the room at a social. They have a clear understanding of the beat, musicality is emerging (at the very least), regardless of how many moves they "know," they can lead or follow them well...and consistently (lmao...lack of consistency has historically been a marker for me that I don't know something as well). Their isolations are being integrated into their movement (we all know that tweaks to a basic are never-ending).

Advanced: I know this isn't a popular opinion, but I truly believe this takes TIME. This is pro level or adjacent, the basic easily integrates isolations and musicality. Styling, shines....almost without thinking. There is a deep pool of moves to pull from AND they're well followed/lead.

I also truly believe we can be at different levels for different styles and parts of dancing. I'd say I'm an intermediate in salsa partnering, adv beginner in shines and styling. I'm an adv beginner in bachata, but sometimes look better at it because salsa skills can transfer (very sneaky and deceiving).

Super interested in others' thoughts!

How much resistance and frame should you maintain as a follow? In fairly new to salsa but have the beginner moves down by now. I’ve head reports of people being poor follows due to being too stiff, and also, too soft. How do I know how much to do? And if it depends on the lead, how can I judge?

I haven’t been to a social before only classes, but have done a little social dancing with people after the class.

Recently I was told by a new instructor to increase my resistance, and that I think about maintaining my frame (frame wasn’t something I’d been told about in other classes). It makes sense, and I look forward to trying a dance where I actively know about my frame (although I need much more understanding on it, I don’t think I know about it fully). But I’m worried about being too ridged.

Also the tension. It was mentioned this is important for certain moves where you’ll need to be springy, it can help with guiding the follow, and also spring the follow around and into turns. I was told I need to increase my tension, which is completely true, I think I had next to no tension before. I am so focused on reading cues and following at slight indications, that I am much too soft. But how do I know how much to increase the tension? I don’t want to be difficult to lead or be too stiff.

Thank you!

My city has several of them, while it sounds like a good thing and I think it'll actually help the salsa scene grow (good bye predatory salseros) I can't help to feel that some of them might just be too inclusive, one of the groups have a active blacklist going on in their private fb chat group while I'm not one who want to get into drama, I can't help but think it might sow unfairness but I also think it's up to how the group leaders of the social media group or chat group goes.

A lot of my scene's bachata love groups, or bachata family etc groups just die out. But it could help push out new things into the scene, such as finding other women to go out with via the safety chat group, I don't think it's nothing like a "don't date him" group, it's just finally neat to have several groups you can rely on based on peer reviews or even tips both technical and sociologically, such as "what do I do if he's too close or asking for my #" or something like I don't find him attractive and want to be nice. I think these questions can go to social dance etiquette and techniques but you can't ignore the social aspects of social dancing, because 80% of the time, most social dancing is part of the night life unless it's a highly regarded studio only social.

Overall, do you think this is a good thing? Salsa scene 5 years ago wouldn't have anything like this, a new salsera in the scene (back then) would have to do trial error and through a frying pan if she's going to go to her first nights of a public open social dance event, and you wonder why the veteran salseras are only a few. Most can even be intimidated but I can see how this can help women discover the actual essence of dance in the long term. Thoughts? Do you guys have something similar in your social dancing city scene?

You want to go do what you love, you’ve worked hard to learn, spent money and time practicing and learning. You want to go “chase the dragon”- that feeling from some of the best dances you’ve had. To experience that intimacy and passion for a brief moment. You spend so much time alone, And when the time comes to go dancing……you’re just not feeling it…….fuck………Tired. Worn down by life. Laying on the couch, listening to a chill album- (“super son” - Juan Pablo Torres) …..an object at rest wants to stay at rest. It’s 930 PM my time. The dancing does not start until 1030. I’m 35- not old but def not young. They say life is short- that’s not the case this shit is long af. Plenty of time to go dancing. But how do yall do it ? Stay out late - even when you don’t work the next day. I even took a nap today and coffee’d up in anticipation. But I don’t think it’s gonna happen. Shit.

ETA : Wow I didn’t expect the amount and quality of replies, thanks !!

I am looking for this move, but it is not clear to me how to do it. There is a few videos on Internet, but I dont know where it begin and ends. Do you know how to do it as a Lead?

Well I have noticed something strange in my Latin club,that happens from my beggings until now.There many girls,not all of them but a sufficient percentage of women that I ask them to dance and refuse,but exactly after a while they accept the next one(especially Latino)that ask them to dance.I just don’t get it.I justify that where are some girls that they don’t dance at all with nobody.But I am talking to especially a group of women who have specific choices.It has happened to me countless times and to tell the truth I am getting frustrated whenever it happens.I also don’t talk for the women who have danced at least one time with me,because these women maybe they don’t like the way I dance and I am okay with that.At least they tried.Am talking for women who have never danced with me and they reject me every time while they accept other guys.I tried to put on their shoes and wonder myself the reason I would reject somebody without having danced before.And I remember one time that I saw a woman that I knew by sight and she was very repulsive (she was drunk,neglected,behaved strangely) and I didn’t want to dance with her because for reasons even I did it because of my good manners.I personally don’t have discrimination among women ,I dance with all.I also wondered if I was the repulsive one,but nothings wrong with my appearance,manners or smell.To add that also many women accept dancing with me and there even a minority of them that have asked me to dance.But again I can’t understand the category of these women that reject me,I mean okay I am not asking them for a marriage.Does that happened to you or do you have an explanation?

Hi! Out of curiosity, does anyone have experience with children dancing salsa or teaching children to dance salsa. What would be a minimum age? How and how fast do you build up the difficulty level? Etc. I'd love to hear your experiences.

Hey salsa friends, wondering if anyone has experienced the salsa and bachata scene in Japan or Thailand?

In Thailand, I’m guessing it’s Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I can see quite a few IG pages for social schools in Bangkok, but wondering what it’s like in reality and if the scene is a strong as it appears to be? Are there quality teachers? What’s the demographic (age wise)? Are there beginners? Or more advanced?

Also really interested if anyone has danced in Japan? Kyoto or Osaka in particular? Would love to know if you think the schools, and socials bars/scenes are good?

Thank you!

Hey!

I’m very curious to understand what are the hardest things to go through as a dancer and as a professional.

I start:

• as a dancer, it’s to be able to connect with the dancing communities when travelling
• as a professional, it’s to find students for private classes and manage the “politics” within the dance scene. Main teachers/school owners trying to keep the students to themselves

How about you??

Which are the best salsa congresses for social dancing (On2/Mambo) in Europe and worldwide?

I am wondering which are your favorite salsa congresses for social dancing and why? (On2/Mambo)

Do you have a top list with your favorites? Which ones are these and why? What makes these events special for you?

Beginner Lead here, dancing Salsa Cubana since January of this year. At my dance school, there are six courses ranging from Beginner Level 1 to Advanced Level 6.

Now, during my last Level 6 course, my dance school suddenly shut down. Now I'm trying to take this course privately with a teacher.

As a Leader, do you prefer weekly 6 x 1-hour lessons or those weekend 2 x 3-hour crash workshops?

I usually prefer the weekly lessons because I feel like I get overwhelmed with all the Information, Steps, Figures or Choreography at a workshop.

How do you Leader keep all the information at a workshop?

Trying to translate this with the music sheet. On1 is simple because you all start with the first beat of the measure. The 1 of the 1234. If you want to do on2, you ignore the 1st, you start with the 2nd downbeat. But what about the upbeats, the "and" between the numbers, if you start your steps to an "and" does this mean you're dancing on2 or what? If you're dancing on3, you start with the 3rd and so on. I find it fun dancing on1 when the song is lyrical because the singer often follows 4/4, am I making sense?